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The Tampa Tribune

Published: December 27, 2007

THE HIVES:

THE BLACK AND WHITE ALBUM

(A&M/OCTONE) **½

Any garage-rock purists left in The Hives' audience will run scared and shrieking from "The Black and White Album," lashed by dance rhythms, drum loops, sequencers and all manner of concepts invented after 1966.

But 2004's "Tyrannosaurus Hives" found the Swedes repeating themselves and the band was wise to bring in outside production (Pharrell Williams, Jacknife Lee, Dennis Herring) and add some new tricks to its bag.

Some of the quirkier numbers linger too long, though, and the album drags more than is acceptable. But "T.H.E.H.I.V.E.S." is a twisted blast and "Tick Tick Boom" is quintessential Hives rock.

Download this: "Tick Tick Boom"

Curtis Ross

DURAN DURAN:

RED CARPET MASSACRE

(EPIC) *½

In theory, it was an industry dream - pop icon Justin Timberlake and mega-hit producer Timbaland join pop-dance pioneers Duran Duran on their latest comeback album.

But Timbaland's Midas touch doesn't work this time. On "Skin Divers," the producer's signature synth-clap hip-hop beat starts up like just another club track. Then it softens and you're back to classic Duran Duran (sigh - that's better). But then Timbaland raps the hook, and it couldn't have been more jarring even if Simon LeBon had started rapping along.

Timberlake sings on "Nite-Runner," but he's barely audible and there's little chemistry in the collaboration. Some things are best appreciated in their original context - 1983.

Download this: "Falling Down"

Debbie Meron

AMY WINEHOUSE:

FRANK

(ISLAND) ****

The Brits knew Amy Winehouse was the Next Big Thing before she was nominated for six Grammys for "Back to Black." Of course, they had already heard her first album, "Frank," which until now was only available in the UK.

"Frank," a nod to Frank Sinatra, draws from jazz greats without the gimmicky feel of Christina Aguilera's "Back to Basics." Winehouse, with her ratty beehive and tattoos, makes jazz and soul her own, with provocative lyrics and a warbling voice that can crack like a chain smoker's.

The album is stronger and has a wider appeal than the Motown-flavored "Back to Black." It testifies to the singer's enormous talent and potential, which has recently been overshadowed by her self-destructive behavior.

Download this: All of it - seriously.

Debbie Meron

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